Marco Island is Southwest Florida's sophisticated beach escape. The largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, Marco combines pristine natural beauty with upscale amenities—championship golf, fine dining, and luxury resorts alongside mangrove-lined waterways teeming with dolphins and manatees. Just 20 minutes south of Naples, Marco feels worlds apart from the busier Gulf Coast.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the best things to do on Marco Island for 2026.
Beaches
Tigertail Beach
Marco's favorite family beach features a unique tidal lagoon separated from the gulf by a sand spit. The protected lagoon offers calm, warm water perfect for young children. Walk across the sandbar (at low tide) to reach the gulf beach for shells and surf.
- Address: 480 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Parking: $8 per day
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, playground, concessions, rentals
- Best for: Families, bird watching, kayaking
- Don't miss: Tidal lagoon for calm swimming, shorebirds on sandbar
- Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends for guaranteed parking
South Marco Beach
Also called Residents' Beach, this stunning crescent beach at the island's southern tip offers excellent shelling and stunning sunset views. Access requires walking from public areas or staying at nearby resorts.
- Access: Via South Collier Boulevard, beach access points
- Parking: Limited street parking, hotel lots for guests
- Best for: Shelling, sunsets, quieter beach experience
- Shelling: Among the best on Marco, especially after storms
Hideaway Beach
Private residential community with beach accessible to guests. If you're staying at a Hideaway property, you'll enjoy one of Marco's most exclusive stretches of sand.
- Access: Residents and guests only
- Character: Secluded, upscale, excellent shelling
Keewaydin Island
Accessible only by boat, this barrier island offers miles of undeveloped beach. Day trips via water taxi or private boat provide exceptional shelling and true solitude.
- Access: Water taxi from Marco or Naples, private boat
- Facilities: None (bring everything)
- Best for: Shelling enthusiasts, solitude seekers, adventure
- Tip: Book water taxi in advance during peak season
Ten Thousand Islands & Nature
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
This vast maze of mangrove islands, tidal creeks, and open bays is one of the largest undeveloped mangrove estuaries in North America. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and countless bird species thrive here.
- Access: By boat from Marco Island or Goodland
- Best activities: Kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography
- Guided tours: Recommended for first-timers (complex navigation)
- Don't miss: Dolphin encounters, manatee sightings, sunset paddle
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Over 110,000 acres of protected coastal habitat just north of Marco. The Environmental Learning Center features exhibits, trails, and kayak launches into pristine mangrove systems.
- Address: 300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 4 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM
- Admission: $8 adults, $5 children
- Best for: Kayaking, birding, environmental education
- Don't miss: Kayak through mangrove tunnels, touch tank exhibits
Collier-Seminole State Park
Just east of Marco, this park offers hiking, camping, and boat access to the Ten Thousand Islands. The rare royal palm hammock and historic walking dredge are highlights.
- Address: 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114
- Entry: $5 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 AM to sunset
- Best for: Hiking, camping, canoe/kayak launching, history
- Don't miss: Royal Palm Hammock Trail, historic walking dredge
Marco Island Nature Preserve
Protected wetland preserve with nature trails perfect for birding and quiet walks. Easy access from developed areas makes this ideal for a quick nature break.
- Location: Various access points across island
- Admission: Free
- Best for: Birding, photography, short nature walks
- Wildlife: Wading birds, egrets, herons, occasional roseate spoonbills
Water Activities
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Marco's calm bays and mangrove-lined waterways are perfect for paddling. Launch from Tigertail Beach's lagoon for beginners, or explore the Ten Thousand Islands for adventure.
Top Launch Sites:
- Tigertail Beach (calm lagoon, rentals available)
- Caxambas Park (access to Ten Thousand Islands)
- Goodland (laid-back launching into Gullivan Bay)
Guided Options:
- Ten Thousand Islands kayak tours
- Sunset paddle excursions
- Mangrove tunnel explorations
Dolphin & Eco Tours
Multiple operators offer boat tours into the Ten Thousand Islands with excellent dolphin sighting rates. Many tours combine wildlife viewing with shelling stops on remote islands.
- Operators: Marco Island Boat Tours, Dolphin Study, Florida Adventures
- Duration: 2-4 hours typically
- Best for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers
- Success rate: Dolphin sightings nearly guaranteed
Fishing
World-class fishing surrounds Marco Island—from backwater snook and redfish to offshore grouper, snapper, and seasonal tarpon. Charter captains know the Ten Thousand Islands intimately.
- Inshore species: Snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, snapper
- Offshore species: Grouper, snapper, kingfish, cobia
- Best seasons: Snook (spring/fall), Tarpon (May-July), Grouper (year-round)
- Charters: Book through marinas or Marco Island Princess
Marco Island Princess
This 90-foot vessel offers sight-seeing cruises, sunset cruises, and specialty tours. The size provides stability and amenities smaller boats lack.
- Location: Rose Marina, Marco Island
- Tours: Sight-seeing, sunset, holiday specials
- Best for: Groups, those preferring larger vessels
- Amenities: Air conditioning, restrooms, snack bar
Jet Ski & WaveRunner Rentals
Explore Marco's waters at speed. Rentals available at beaches and marinas, with some operators offering guided tours.
- Locations: Tigertail Beach, various marinas
- Requirements: Valid ID, typically 18+ to rent
- Best for: Adventure seekers, couples
Golf
Marriott Golf at Marco
Two championship courses—Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay—offer resort-quality golf. Rookery features island-style holes amid wetlands, while Hammock Bay challenges with water on most holes.
Rookery at Marco
- Address: 3433 Club Center Blvd, Naples, FL 34114
- Style: Island-style links with wetland views
- Green fees: $75-175 depending on season and time
Hammock Bay
- Address: 1370 Hammock Bay Dr, Naples, FL 34114
- Style: Championship layout with water challenges
- Green fees: $85-200 depending on season
Island Country Club
Private club occasionally accessible through stay-and-play packages or reciprocal arrangements. Both golf and tennis available.
Golf Tips
- Book tee times well in advance during peak season (January-April)
- Afternoon rates offer significant savings
- Summer rates are dramatically lower but prepare for heat
Shopping & Dining Districts
The Esplanade
Marco's premier shopping destination with upscale boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront ambiance. Evening dining with bay views is particularly appealing.
- Address: 740 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Hours: Vary by store, generally 10 AM - 6 PM
- Dining: CJ's on the Bay, Mango's, Snook Inn
- Best for: Upscale shopping, waterfront dining, evening strolls
Marco Walk Plaza
Convenient shopping center with mix of restaurants, shops, and services. More casual than the Esplanade with easy parking.
- Address: 599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Highlights: Restaurants, ice cream shops, casual retail
- Best for: Family dining, convenience shopping
Shops of Marco
Local shopping center with everyday services and some restaurants. Good for groceries and essentials.
- Address: 1089 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Best for: Everyday needs, casual dining options
Goodland
This fishing village on Marco's eastern shore offers a delightful contrast to the island's polish. The Sunday afternoon scene at Stan's Idle Hour is legendary—live music, dancing, and serious local character.
- Location: Goodland, FL (eastern Marco Island)
- Must visit: Stan's Idle Hour, Little Bar
- Best time: Sunday afternoon for live music
- Character: Old Florida, fishing village, eccentric, fun
Arts & Culture
Marco Island Center for the Arts
Showcases local and regional artists with rotating exhibitions. Classes and workshops available for visitors interested in creative pursuits.
- Address: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 4 PM
- Admission: Free
- Best for: Art lovers, rainy day activity
- Events: Classes, workshops, special exhibitions
Marco Island Historical Museum
Explores the island's history from the Calusa people through modern development. The highlight is the famous Marco Island Cat—a carved wooden figure from the Key Marco archaeological site.
- Address: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM
- Admission: Free
- Best for: History buffs, families
- Don't miss: Key Marco Cat replica, Calusa exhibits
The Marco Players
Community theater presenting comedies, dramas, and musicals throughout the season. Quality productions in an intimate setting.
- Location: Marco Town Center Mall
- Season: November-April typically
- Best for: Evening entertainment, theater lovers
Day Trips from Marco
Naples
Just 20 minutes north, Naples offers world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue and Third Street South, excellent museums, and additional dining options.
- Distance: 20 minutes
- Must do: Fifth Avenue shopping, Naples Pier sunset, Botanical Garden
- Best for: Shopping, fine dining, culture
Everglades City
Gateway to Everglades National Park's Ten Thousand Islands. Airboat tours, Everglades boat tours, and authentic Old Florida character.
- Distance: 30 minutes
- Must do: Everglades boat tour, airboat ride, fresh stone crab (in season)
- Best for: Adventure, wildlife, Everglades access
Big Cypress National Preserve
Vast wilderness preserve with scenic driving loops, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Boardwalk at Kirby Storter offers easy access to swamp habitats.
- Distance: 45 minutes
- Must do: Loop Road scenic drive, Kirby Storter boardwalk
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve
Largest old-growth bald cypress strand in the world, home to Florida's rarest orchids and occasional Florida panther sightings.
- Distance: 40 minutes
- Must do: Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
- Best for: Serious nature enthusiasts, orchid lovers
Seasonal Events
Seafood & Music Festival (March)
Annual celebration of Marco's coastal heritage with fresh seafood, live music, arts, and crafts. A Marco Island tradition drawing visitors island-wide.
- When: March
- Location: Veterans' Community Park
- Highlights: Fresh seafood, live entertainment, local crafts
Fourth of July
Fireworks over the gulf, beach celebrations, and island-wide patriotic festivities. Book accommodations months in advance.
- Events: Beach celebrations, fireworks
- Tip: Watch fireworks from South Beach or a boat
Christmas Island Style (December)
Holiday parade, boat parade, and seasonal decorations transform Marco into a festive destination. The lighted boat parade is particularly spectacular.
- Events: Holiday parade, boat parade, community celebrations
- Best views: Watch boat parade from waterfront restaurants
Practical Tips
Getting There
Marco Island is accessible via Collier Boulevard (CR 951) from Naples and Tamiami Trail (US 41). No tolls to access the island.
- From Naples: 20 minutes via Collier Blvd
- From Fort Myers: 1 hour via I-75
- From Miami: 2 hours via Tamiami Trail
Getting Around
A car is essential for exploring Marco Island. The island is spread out with limited public transportation.
- Parking: Generally available, fee at Tigertail Beach
- Bike rentals: Available but island is more car-oriented than Sanibel
Best Times to Visit
- Peak season: January-April (best weather, highest prices, most activities)
- Shoulder season: November-December (pleasant weather, fewer crowds)
- Summer: Hot and humid, lowest prices, sea turtle nesting
- Stone crab season: October 15-May 15 (don't miss it!)
Budget Tips
- Visit Tigertail Beach for affordable beach access ($8 parking all day)
- Explore Goodland for casual, affordable dining
- Golf afternoon rates save 30-50%
- Summer rates at hotels are dramatically lower
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marco Island known for?
Marco Island is known for upscale beach resort atmosphere, access to the Ten Thousand Islands wilderness, championship golf, and excellent fishing. It offers a more exclusive feel than other Southwest Florida beach destinations.
Is Marco Island expensive?
Marco Island tends toward the upscale end of Southwest Florida pricing. Expect hotel rates from $250-600+ nightly in season, with quality dining to match. Beaches are free (small parking fee), and casual options exist in Goodland.
Is there a lot to do on Marco Island?
Absolutely. Between beaches, the Ten Thousand Islands, golf courses, fishing, and dining, Marco offers weeks of activities. The island also makes an excellent base for exploring the Everglades.
How far is Marco Island from Naples?
Marco Island is about 20 minutes south of downtown Naples via Collier Boulevard. The proximity makes it easy to enjoy Naples' shopping and dining while staying on Marco.
Are there good restaurants on Marco Island?
Yes—Marco has excellent dining ranging from upscale waterfront spots at the Esplanade to casual seafood in Goodland. CJ's on the Bay, Sale e Pepe, and Snook Inn are visitor favorites.
